Finding and Reserving a Campsite

Use one of the following to research camping options and/or reserve a campsite.

• California State Parks: Go to the California State Parks Website then use their Find A Park tool to enter criteria, pick a geographic area, or search for available dates. Each campsite that accepts reservations has a link to www.reserveamerica.com and a calendar to show available dates and sites. Read park descriptions carefully - some campsites are walk-in (non-reservation) only.
• National Park Service: Go to the National Park Service Website then use their Find A Park tool to enter criteria, pick a geographic area, or search for availability. There are links to www.recreation.gov for reservations. Read park descriptions carefully - some campsites are walk-in (non-reservation) only.
• U.S. Forest Service: Go to the US Forest Service Website then click the link for Web sites of the National Forests of California, parks of interest, then Recreational Activities and Developed Campgrounds. Reservations can be made through links to www.recreation.gov. Read descriptions carefully - some campsites are first-come (non-reservation) sites.
• Private Campgrounds through California Travel Parks Association: Go to the California Travel Parks Association Website then search through the lists provided. Usually direct communication with the campground is the only way to make a reservation.
• Search county websites for the county you are interested in. Parks and Recreation Services for the county may provide a list of parks and associated facilities. Calling the parks of interest may be the best way to get information about campsite availability, but many parks do not reserve sites - they are available on a walk-in basis.
• Search a detailed map or a camping book for the area of interest.
• Enter an Internet search with your region or county, and "camping."
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the area you would like to camp in and ask for recommendations.

Keep in mind that even sites that take reservations may offer some first-come campsites as well. Call the ranger at the site to ask about this!

In all camping cases, call a ranger and mention that you will have an infant or toddler camping with you - rangers will know what areas are not safe for little ones, be it due to steepness or proximity to water hazards.

Camping Recommendation Chart

Use this chart to find a location that meets your needs. Got a great site that you'd like to recommend? E-mail a recommendation!

Location	Address	Contact Information	Facilities	Reservations
Uvas Canyon County Park	8515 Croy Road, Morgan Hill	408-779-9232 Uvas Canyon County Park Website	Tents, flush toilets. Dogs allowed on leash.	408-355-2201 Reservations for County Parks
Sanborn-Skyline County Park		408-867-9959 Sanborn-Skyline County Park Website	Tents with 100 foot walk in, RV hookups, American Youth Hostel, flush toilets. No dogs allowed.	408-867-9959 American Youth Hostel: 408-293-3787 Camping Reservations
Memorial County Park (near Pescadero/Loma Mar/La Honda)	9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar	650-363-4021 Memorial County Park Website	Tents, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets. No dogs allowed.	650-363-4021 County Park Reservations Site
Big Basin Redwoods State Park	21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek	831-338-8860 Big Basin Redwoods SP Website	Tents for car camping and walk in, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets, store. Dogs allowed on leash in developed areas only.	800-444-PARK Reserve America Website
Portola Redwoods State Park	9000 Portola Redwoods SP Road, La Honda	650-948-9098 Portola Redwoods SP Website	Tents, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets. Dogs on leash allowed on pavement only.	800-444-PARK Reserve America Website
Anthony Chabot Regional Park	9999 Redwood Road, Castro Valley	888-EBPARKS Chabot Webpage	Tents, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets. Dogs allowed on leash.	888-EBPARKS
Henry Coe State Park	9000 E Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill	408-779-2728 Henry Coe SP Webpage	Tents for car camping and backpacking (1+ mile hike)	Reserve America Website
Olema Ranch (Point Reyes)	10155 Highway 1, Box #175, Olema	415-663-8001 Olema Ranch Website	Tents, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets, coin laundry. Dogs allowed on leash.	800-655-CAMP
Samuel P. Taylor State Park (Marin/San Rafael)	Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Lagunitas	415-488-9897 Samuel P Taylor State Park Website	Tents, RV hookups, flush toilets. Dogs allowed on leash.	800-444-PARK Reserve America Website
Pantoll Campground (Mount Tamalpais State Park)	Panoramic Highway and Pan Toll Road, Mill Valley	415-388-2070 Mount Tamalpais SP Website	Tents with a 100-foot walk in.	First come only (no reservations)
Steep Ravine Rustic Cabins and Campsites (Mount Tamalpais State Park)	Highway 1, 1 mile S of Stinson Beach	415-388-2070 Mount Tamalpais SP Website	Tents, Barren Cabins. No dogs allowed.	Reserve America Website
China Camp State Park (Marin/San Rafael)	N San Pedro Road, on San Pablo Bay	415-456-0766 China Camp State Park Website	Tents with a 150 to 900 foot walk in, showers, flush toilets. Dogs allowed on leash.	800-444-PARK Reserve America Website
Sunol Regional Wilderness	1895 Geary Blvd, Sunol	925-862-2244 888-EBPARKS Sunol Webpage	Primitive camping with 3+ mile walk in. Very hilly.	888=EBPARKS Reserve America Website
Del Valle	7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore	925-373-0332 888-EBPARKS Del Valle Webpage	Tents, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets. Dogs allowed.	888-EBPARKS Reserve America Website
Butano State Park	Cloverdale Road, Pescadero	650-879-2040 Butano SP Website	Tents for car camping and walk-in, RV hookups, flush toilets. Dogs allowed on leash.	800-444-PARK Reserve America Website

Making the Decision to Camp

• There are several types of camping. See Camping Defined to understand your options.
• What considerations should be addressed when camping with a baby? Read about these at Considering Baby Needs in Camping

Packing and Reservations

You've decided to camp, so now it's time to put some gear together and pick your camping location.
Read about things to pack at Camping Gear and Advice